Gemstones are composed of different minerals and many are routinely treated to enhance their color or durability. The Mohs scale is used to measure the hardness of a stone. Diamonds are the hardest gem, ranked 10 on the Mohs scale. Unless otherwise noted, gems can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush using a solution of mild dish soap and warm water or in a take-home ultrasonic cleaner.

Amethyst

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is considered a durable stone that is great for everyday wear. Traditional enhancement is used to lighten dark stones. Try to avoid direct sunlight, exposure to heat, and contact with chemicals.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a very durable stone with a hardness of 7.5-8 so its great for everyday wear. Often undetectably heated to remove yellow from the stone, be sure to avoid heat, contact with chemicals, and protect it from scratches and heavy blows.

Black Diamond

Almost all black diamonds are created by enhancing natural diamonds via pressure, temperature, and/or radiation. Any diamond free of surface cracks can be used. Like all diamonds, they have a hardness rating of 10 making them excellent for everyday wear.

Blue Sapphire

The incredibly durable sapphire, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, is excellent for everyday wear. Sometimes heated to enhance color and/or clarity, keep them away from heat and chemicals and these stones will last many lifetimes.

Blue Topaz

Considered good for everyday wear, topaz is one of the world's hardest gems, rated 8 on the Mohs scale. Usually treated to enhance or alter its color, make sure you keep this stone away from direct sunlight, heat, and chemicals.

Citrine

This quartz variety is rated good for everyday wear with a hardness of 7. Citrines, which often start as amethyst, typically undergo heat treatment to create their gold color. Try to avoid direct sunlight, exposure to heat, and contact with chemicals.

Emerald

Emeralds are typically great for everyday wear, with a hardness of 7.5-8, but deep inclusions require extra care to protect them from scratches and harsh blows. Fissures are often filled with oil or resin to enhance durability. Try to keep away from heat and chemicals.

Garnet Mozambique

Garnets are one of few gemstones that are completely natural. Their hardness rating of 7-7.5 makes them great for everyday wear. Make sure to avoid heat and drastic temperature changes.

Green Amethyst

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is considered a durable stone that is great for everyday wear. Traditional enhancement is used to lighten dark stones. Try to avoid direct sunlight, exposure to heat, and contact with chemicals.

Green Tourmaline

Good for everyday wear, tourmaline is a hard gemstone with a rating of 7-7.5. Treated to enhance or alter color, this gorgeous gem will last forever if handled with care, protected from scratches and harsh blows, and kept away from heat.

Iolite

The gorgeous iolite is another completely natural gemstone and has a hardness of 7-7.5 which makes it good for everyday wear. Be careful to keep them away from heat and chemicals and to protect them from scratches or rough blows.

Onyx

Onyx is created by a dyeing process which introduces color matter into chalcedony. It is rated fair for everyday wear with a hardness of 6.5-7. Keep them away from heat and chemicals. Make sure to protect them from scratches and harsh blows.

Peridot

The stunning peridot is a natural gem considered fair for everyday wear with a hardness of 6.5-7. Peridots should be handled with care, they should not be exposed to heat, chemicals, or sudden temperature changes.

Pink Sapphire

The incredibly durable sapphire, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, is excellent for everyday wear. Sometimes heated to enhance color and/or clarity, keep them away from heat and chemicals and these stones will last many lifetimes.

Pink Tourmaline

Good for everyday wear, tourmaline is a hard gemstone with a rating of 7-7.5. Treated to enhance or alter color, this gorgeous gem will last forever if handled with care, protected from scratches and harsh blows, and kept away from heat.

Rock Crystal

Rock crystal, known as pure or clear quartz, is durable and rated good for everyday wear (hardness rating of 7). They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and chemicals.

Rose Quartz

A hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale makes rose quartz a durable stone that is great for everyday wear. Traditional enhancement is used to enhance color or to improve durability. Try to avoid direct sunlight, exposure to heat, and contact with chemicals.

Ruby

Often heated to enhance color or clarity, rubies are one of the hardest gems in the world. Their hardness rating of 9 makes them excellent for everyday wear. Keep away from heat and chemicals and a ruby can stand the test of time.

Smoky Quartz

A hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale makes smoky quartz a durable stone that is great for everyday wear. Traditional enhancement is used to enhance color or to improve durability. Try to avoid direct sunlight, exposure to heat, and contact with chemicals.

Tanzanite

Tanzanites have a hardness of 6.5-7 making them good for special occasions but not for everyday wear. Naturally brown, they're heated to create their distinct violet color. Wear with care, keep away from heat, chemicals, and drastic temperature changes.

Tsavorite Garnet

Garnets are one of few gemstones that are completely natural. Their hardness rating of 7-7.5 makes them great for everyday wear. Make sure to avoid heat and drastic temperature changes.

Turquoise

The always popular and plentiful turquoise is one of few natural gemstones. Rated fair for everyday wear, with a hardness rating of 5-6, they should be handled with care, kept away from heat, chemicals, and protected from scratches and rough blows.

Yellow Sapphire

The incredibly durable sapphire, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, is excellent for everyday wear. Sometimes heated to enhance color and/or clarity, keep them away from heat and chemicals and these stones will last many lifetimes.

White Sapphire

The incredibly durable sapphire, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, is excellent for everyday wear. Sometimes heated to enhance color and/or clarity, keep them away from heat and chemicals and these stones will last many lifetimes.